Stay safe while enjoying the Easter break and only use 999 in an emergency – that’s the message from the region’s ambulance service as it gears up for one of its busiest weekends of the year.

Typically during the four-day bank holiday weekend, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust experiences a significant increase in 999 calls.

Deputy director of operations David Williams said: “Typically more people will be socialising with friends and family during the Easter break and this can lead to more people becoming ill or injured and requiring medical advice and we usually see a rise in alcohol-fuelled incidents too.

“We are not trying to stop people having a good time or deter them from calling 999 in a genuine medical emergency, but what we do ask is that people look after themselves and others and think carefully about whether an emergency ambulance is the most appropriate service for their needs.”

The ambulance service is also keen to ensure people are aware of the variety of healthcare services available for advice and treatment for non-emergencies and less serious conditions such as a local pharmacy, NHS 111 or walk-in-centre.